HerStory: The Piano Collection: A progressive collection celebrating 29 female composers

HerStory: The Piano Collection is a valuable repertoire by remarkable female composers across the ages, progressively graded and suitable for intermediate to advanced level players. It is accompanied by a fascinating snapshot of the 29 composers, personal observations, and pedagogical activities and ideas. The collection is a singular and significant achievement, lifting the lid on a terrific range of superb music that is long overdue its day in the sun.

Format: Sheet music
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Faber Music Ltd

HerStory: The Piano Collection is a remarkable compilation of invaluable repertoire by renowned female composers throughout history. This comprehensive collection is meticulously graded, catering to intermediate to advanced-level players, spanning approximately Grades 4 to Grade 8. Additionally, it includes a captivating piano duet and an ensemble piece for piano, clarinet, viola, and cello. Authored and compiled by the award-winning author and piano pedagogue Karen Marshall, each piece is accompanied by a fascinating "snapshot of the 29 composers," offering invaluable insights into their lives and compositions, along with quotes from them or about them. Furthermore, the book includes suggestions of other pieces to explore, personal observations from Karen Marshall, pedagogical activities, and ideas.

"This vibrant collection of wonderful music from literally every musical period promises to enrich the musical lives of everyone. Female composers have suffered shocking neglect over the centuries, but society is now beginning to make amends. Karen Marshall's extraordinary anthology brings neglected jewels out of obscurity and into the limelight, where they will be loved and cherished."

Kathryn Page, a pianist, adjudicator, teacher, and co-founder of Chethams International Piano Summer School, praised the book as "much more than a practical text—it is a library of forgotten treasures that we should bring back to life on pianos across the world." She emphasized that Marshall's book goes beyond practicality and serves as a repository of forgotten musical treasures that deserve to be revived and cherished by pianists worldwide.

Hattie Fisk, a music teacher online, expressed her admiration for HerStory in her review on May 1, 2022. She noted that it is more than the sum of its parts, representing a singular and significant contribution to the world of music education. Fisk highlighted the transformative power of music, emphasizing that it can transcend patriarchal barriers and inspire the next generation to embark on a new cycle of creativity.

In conclusion, HerStory: The Piano Collection is a groundbreaking and essential resource for piano enthusiasts, music educators, and anyone passionate about celebrating the contributions of female composers. Through its meticulously graded repertoire, captivating snapshots of the composers, and insightful commentary, this book offers a wealth of musical treasures that have been overlooked for far too long. By bringing these forgotten gems back into the spotlight, HerStory contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in music and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 229 x 304 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571542376